Good morning, Grand Junction.

On Thursday morning, community members gathered at Hawthorne Park (400 Gunnison Ave.) to honor 39 unhoused locals with a bell toll for each name read and ribbons tied to trees.

Sterling Gray said the memorial brought locals together as they shared memories and strengthened bonds.

The Mesa County Human Services team completed its Hygiene and Essential Items Drive, collecting hygiene products, socks, blankets, and cold-weather items, which were delivered to partner agencies (Sunshine Community, Solidarity Not Charity, Grand Valley Catholic Outreach, and Homeward Bound Pathways Shelter) to support those facing homelessness.

Museums of Western Colorado will explore merging its three sites in Grand Junction and Fruita into one campus.

Next year, the study will run six to eight months and a state of the museum address with roundtable is set for Jan. 13 (marking its 60th anniversary) to gather feedback.

Teacher and band instructor Gabe Gallegos will transform into a chimney sweep in The Theatre Project’s Mary Poppins at Avalon Theatre today at 7 p.m. The performance, featuring over 50 cast members, builds on his lifelong love for musical theater (he took private tap-dance lessons to prepare).

Farmers are watching zebra mussels in the Colorado River as they may clog the Orchard Mesa irrigation system, warned Rob Talbott of C & R Farms.

Local growers and water managers are planning preventive measures, though the system remains non-infested.

The city used 5,470 cubic yards of fall leaves to boost Watson Island’s soil and save $6,500 in contract fees plus $44,000 in compost costs.

The project, a collaboration between General Services and Parks and Recreation, benefits walkers and disc golf players along the river.

City offices and recycling drop-off sites will be closed Thursday, Dec.

25 and Thursday, Jan. 1 in observance of Christmas and New Year’s Day, and trash and recycling pickup will be delayed by one day on these holidays + residents are encouraged to plan ahead for service changes.

Disney's Mary Poppins - The Musical

2-3:30 p.m. — The Avalon Theatre — Tickets start at $56 — Experience the enchanting tale of Mary Poppins brought to life on stage.

Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland

7-8:30 p.m. — The Avalon Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience an enchanting night of acrobatics and holiday music with Cirque Musica's breathtaking performances.